The 30 Rock star said in a new interview with the New York Times that a mayoral run in 2013 is unlikely. Instead, Baldwin may enroll in a master’s program in politics and government so that he can “better understand what the fiscal imperatives of that job are,” he said. “What’s the reality of the city unions, of contracts, agreements, teachers, infrastructure, decentralizing, everything? And utilities, Con Ed, the M.T.A. — how does it all work?”

Baldwin, who has not been shy about his political aspirations (and opinions), will be busy filming the sixth season of 30 Rock until April 2012 and because of his obligation to the veteran comedy, running in 2013 would simply not be feasible. He also added that he planned to enroll in the courses in fall 2012.

What’s somewhat eye-opening is the assumption that Baldwin will not have a substantial role after the new season. But Baldwin’s word has not been reliable on this subject matter. The actor declared in April that 30 Rock would end after its upcoming sixth season, though sources toldThe Hollywood Reporter that no such conversations have taken place. Almost immediately after making those statements, Baldwin downplayed his remarks, saying that he wanted "five more seasons." "Next year hopefully won't be the last," Baldwin said at the time.

Baldwin believed that he will be able to connect with New Yorkers from all walks of life, despite who he is.

“There are people who make a lot of money who become rich people, and then there are people who make a lot of money, but they don’t think like rich people do,” Baldwin said. “No matter how much money they have, they are the same from their own upbringing. I would definitely put myself in the latter class.”

And though he’s dealt with the tabloids, including his messy divorce from Kim Basinger and the leaked tapes in which he called his daughter a “pig,” Baldwin was confident that people would see past his mistakes.

“What I do for a living has provided people with an almost bottomless container of video clips of me doing the most asinine things,” he said.

Baldwin addressed the obvious risks he would be taking should he move forward with a political run. “I am someone who is fully prepared for the fact that I could go into this and do it and completely have my ass kicked,” he said, adding that ”it would be this staggering lesson for me” if it was unsuccessful.